Some pics from the Garmin booth at AEA
I lucked into an invite to the Aviation Electronics Association trade show here in Reno today, and had the chance to spend a few minutes playing with the new line-up. (Display included: G600, GTN750, GTN650, GMA350) Here's a couple pictures, with some comments below:
The gear was in demo mode, but much of the functionality was operative. First is a full panel display with SV on the left of the 600, terrain on the right of the 600 and on the 750. HSI is set up for an intercept to a direct to leg that I set up after a little fumbling around. Pop-up traffic is on the 600 as well.
Next one has the full page traffic on the 750...different nav set-up, this pic was taken earlier than the first one:
Here's a pic of the data card at the display:
Some impressions (caveat, my VFR RV has a classic Dynon, a 396, and a basic Garmin stack. I've not flown behind a 430/530, but I fly airline glass at work, so all this is strictly opinion, value unknown!
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The displays were phenomenal...really! I like the buttons on my 396 and have not played with an Aera more than once or twice, but for this touch screen novice, the touch screen interface was really superb. Sensitivity of the touches just felt good, and I was able to move around fairly well. That being said, as has been said about the G1000, getting to know this equipment will be really important...there is a dazzling amount of info, and each page has menus and multiple options. It seemed pretty intuitive, but becoming a Jedi on this will take some time (a labor of love though!)
Moving through various displays was at times easy, and at other times felt a little cumbersome, but I chalk some (most) of that up to only getting 15 minutes or so to play. In addition to the touch screen commands on the GTN boxes, there are buttons on the 600 for pilot interface, so there's a lot to play with at first blush. It'll be up to each individual to determine if they prefer the touch screen on this equipment, or the tactile buttons on other gear, but overall it sure was nice.
This display had the remote transponder and audio panel, and the GMA350 was there for display purposes. The remote audio panel I played with popped up on the 750 and was easy to operate. I also mashed a few buttons on the 350, and it had a really nice feel too. Same decsion on audio panels will apply...tactile buttons that are always there to see and touch, or pop-up on-screen audio selections.
It was pretty cool to play around a bit, and I figured everyone watching this thread would want a little PIREP (albeit limited). I was definitely in Brantel and Vern heaven (and many others' here!). Had about three hours in the "candy store"...just wish I could afford some candy!
One neat little scoop from the WeatherWorx booth guys. I asked about XM on iPads, and they said "later this year"! Woo Hoo! They also said to wait till the end of the year to buy an iPad 3 (they said due out by year-end). Faster processor and...the biggie...a sunlight readable screen! Hopin' its all true!!
Cheers,
Bob